Top 8 Must-Have Car Mods for the Ultimate Road Trip Adventure

Whether you're cruising along the Great Ocean Road in Australia, winding through the Scottish Highlands, or tackling gravel backroads in New Zealand, there’s nothing quite like the freedom you experience when undertaking a road trip.
But before you pack your bags and hit the ignition with Steppenwolf’s “Born To Be Wild” blaring over your stereo system, your car might need a few tweaks to ensure it can handle the rigours of the journey with comfort, safety, and style.
Regardless of whether you’re planning a solo trip or a family adventure, there are plenty of accessories that will transform your vehicle into a road trip-ready rig. From practical upgrades to creature comforts, here's our list of the top eight car modifications that make a real difference when driving around the world.

Car Mods

Here are some excellent modification upgrades you can make for it to prepare for your journey, wherever you may be travelling in the world.

1. Roof Racks & Rooftop Storage

Space can be at a premium when you're on the road, especially with a full car of passengers. For this reason, installing a quality roof rack and rooftop box is a good idea as it gives you heaps of extra storage for things like camping gear, extra luggage, or even a kayak.
In fact, it's one of the best ways to maximise your car's practicality without changing the interior setup. Just be sure to look for something with aerodynamic designs to avoid drag and always check the weight limit for your specific vehicle.

2. All-Terrain Tyres

Swapping out your standard tyres for all-terrain ones is a smart move, especially if you're heading off the beaten track. From sandy tracks to snow-covered roads in alpine passes or remote gravel trails, all-terrain tyres give you better grip, durability, and peace of mind when you are on the road.
That said, you will need to be mindful that they might wear a little faster on smooth highways, so it is important to choose the right type based on where you're travelling most.

3. Suspension Upgrades

Long road trips often include bumpy roads, potholes, or steep terrain, which is why it might be wise to install a suspension upgrade.
Lifting your car or installing heavy-duty shocks can give you a smoother ride and more clearance to tackle the roads you encounter.
Suspension upgrades are a popular mod for 4WD enthusiasts, but also worth considering for hatchbacks doing long hauls with lots of weight, as they help reduce wear and tear on your car, too.

4. Hire A Car

While DIY upgrades, are the best way to mod your car when you’re prepping for an international adventure or road trip, it’s worth pointing out that not everyone has access to a car. This is particularly true when travelling overseas in places like New Zealand, where one-way road trips are hugely popular.
In such circumstances, one-way rentals are a great option. They enable you to, for instance, book a car hire Queenstown to Christchurch or Auckland to Wellington and enjoy the adventure and scenery in a modern, road-trip-ready vehicle.

5. Portable Fridge or Cooler

If you are going on a long drive, especially during the warmer months of the year, a portable fridge or cooler is a great companion to have.
It allows you to safely keep drinks cold and food fresh, and avoid the need to rely on servo or fast food stops for every meal.
Should you be going off-grid, pair it with a dual battery system or solar panel setup so you’re not draining the main battery.

6. LED Light Bars & Fog Lights

At some point on a road trip, there is a good chance you might find yourself heading through mountain passes or rural roads where visibility is not the best. In such circumstances, extra lighting is a must.
Installing LED light bars or upgraded fog lights gives you much better sightlines and makes driving at night safer. However, you should be mindful of the effect they have when you pass another oncoming vehicle.

7. Window Tinting & Sunshades

While a tinted window might look cool, it can help you stay cool, too. In addition, it also helps protect against UV damage and gives you added privacy.
This, combined with sunshades for the windscreen and rear windows, will go a long way towards preventing your cabin from becoming a sauna after a day parked in the sun. It is a small investment, but it can be crucial, especially if your air conditioning system is not the best.

8. Upgraded Infotainment & Navigation

On a long road trip, not having a good stereo system can drive you nuts. Therefore, it might be worth upgrading to a touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Doing this will make your navigation easier and let you play your own music or podcasts with ease.
If you are planning on going to remote areas without mobile coverage, it would be sensible to choose a unit that has offline GPS maps.

9. Rooftop Tent or Fold-Flat Sleeping Platform

On any road trip, accommodation can be a major cost. So, if you want to save on it, a good thing to do is invest in a rooftop tent and sleeping platform.
Allowing you to sleep wherever you park, rooftop tents give you a comfy, elevated sleeping area. Alternatively, fold-flat bed platforms in the back of a 4WD or van are great for stealth camping or quick overnight stays.
This mod is particularly useful for road trippers planning on travelling across both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand.